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MILWAUKEE/NARI MEMBERS SUGGEST MAKEOVER OPTIONS TO TRANSFORM A HOME’S EXTERIOR
August 31, 2009

MILWAUKEE, WI – Makeovers can work magic on a home’s exterior.  When the brown house at the end of the street gets new maintenance-free gray siding, the whole character of the property can change.  Add new black shutters, white fiberglass columns on each side of the shiny red front door, and top it all off with a gray, dimensional shingle roof, and neighbors might be checking the house number to make sure they are on the right street.

A home’s curb appeal and property value can be greatly enhanced with exterior improvements including siding, roofing, gutters, trim, patios, decks, windows, and skylights.

Members of the Milwaukee chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (Milwaukee/NARI), the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 48 years, offer tips on ways to give house exteriors a facelift.

New Looks
Mike Wood, Exterior Product Sales Manager at Callen Construction, Inc. in Muskego, says that in exterior remodeling, the key phrase is “maintenance free.”

Wood notes, “The focus is different than with interior remodeling -- the biggest thing is that materials have to be maintenance-free.  We then blend them together to create a natural look in the surrounding area, with the landscaping.  We can combine horizontal siding with vertical accents, porch pillars or columns, or touches of stone.”

As always, roofs and doors are important features.  “From the curb, 40% of what you see is the roof,” Wood points out.  “So a new roof is not just functional, but an opportunity to update the outside of the house.”

Describing a common problem, Wood explains that some residences have a prominent garage door and side door, which creates the need to make the front entrance’s focal point more prominent.  Front entry highlights can include railings, decorative glass, brass or nickel accents, and strong door colors that match shutters.

Trends popular in Milwaukee include foam-backed vinyl siding, up to seven inches wide, Wood says.  He also mentioned creative use of cultured stone, which is a concrete mix offering color variations.  The stone, which adheres to the side of a house like tile squares, is mortared to the wall and its weight is carried by the wall.  Another exterior trend is replacing old wooden porch posts with fiberglass columns.

Views on Windows
Scott Immel, President and Owner of River Valley Home Improvements Ltd. of Waukesha, previously worked as a building inspector.  He emphasizes that homeowners need to be aware of building codes, especially when installing egress windows.

In remodeling, windows should be evaluated for safety and energy efficiency, rather than ornamental features only.  “Homeowners need to be aware of the code,” Immel points out regarding the Uniform Dwelling Code or UDC.  “There’s a potential for a lot of UDC state code violations.”

Immel says when choosing windows, homeowners’ need a strong focus on bedroom safety, since house fires often occur at night while residents are sleeping.  Safety features and code should prevail; while in other areas of the house, more decorative windows may suffice.

Seminar Offered
Milwaukee/NARI members Wood and Immel, along with association members Dave Sena of Weather Pro Exteriors Inc. of West Allis and Rick Burback of Burback Builders, LLC of Muskego, will present a free seminar titled “Exterior Remodeling Options” on September 9, in the Ron Ziglinski, CR Education Center in the Milwaukee/NARI office, 11815 W. Dearbourn Ave.  The seminar will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and will include time for questions.   Reservations are required.  Call the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council office at 414-771-4071 to reserve a space or send an e-mail to info@milwaukeenari.org.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the largest in the nation.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, sound business practices, and professionalism in the remodeling industry have led to the growth of the remodeling industry nationwide and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI’s Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071.